From: Jason A. Cotting (p2ranger@anvilgear.com)
Date: Tue Feb 25 2003 - 11:27:19 CST
Its pretty well known that the Rangers don't enjoy burros, but don't let
this affect your decision. Rangers are asked not to discourage, rather to
encourage the use of borros. Where else are kids going to have the
opportunity to pack a burro and hike with it for a couple of days? A true
experience and one of those gold nuggets later in life. None of my crews
ever took a burro. Came close once, but they ran out of burros before we got
down to the coral.
As others have stated, taking burros means you will not be able to hike over
Wilson Mesa. This is easily my favorite place at Philmont (although
technically, it's off Philmont). There is a post card they sell in the
trading post that shows you one of the rewarding views you get from this
beautiful hike (this postcard has a flaw, has anyone noticed it?). Another
one of the views is when you reach a burned area from a fire back in the
80's. A great view of the Spanish Peaks north up in CO. The hike through
Flume Canyon (the route you take with the burros) is not a very exciting
hike. Of course this change in trails is only one day out of your 10 days
on the trail. You get the burros for what 2 or 3 days? This one day is the
day that goes between Pueblano and Ponil. The distance between these two
routes (when taking the trail) is similar although the trail up Wilson Mesa
is steep at the beginning. The trial coming from Bent follows a bulldozer
trail made back during the fire in the 80's.
Of course you can still have the best of both worlds. It is about a 20-30
min. climb out of Pueblano to the top of Wilson Mesa where you can see this
postcard picture site. It might be worth the side hike if you decide to take
the burros (leave your stuff at Pueblano and come back).
An often forgotten part about Philmont is that it is NOT a race. It sounds
very cliche, but each day at Philmont is a journey, not a destination.
If your crew is debating the use of burros, make sure that they are mature
enough to handle an often stubborn but loveable burro. These are God's
creatures and should not be beaten or hurt.
Jason
><>
Retired Ranger
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